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IMPORTANT MARKET INFORMATION
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We currently do not have an installation partner who can install systems in the Santee Cooper Utility jurisdiction.
South Carolina Service Area
We have full coverage in South Carolina, except for the excluded utilities below, providing service in the entire state including all major cities, surrounding metro areas, and all areas in between. Please note that travel adder requirements are subject to change and depending on remote locations we may not be able to accommodate installations or assigning an installer may be delayed.
COVERAGE MAP
What areas do we serve in South Carolina?
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Use this map to see our active service area in the market.
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Solar Installation Map For:
SOUTH CAROLINA
Installation Map
Below is a map of Powur's installations in South Carolina, updated May 2023.
South Carolina Project Cycle Times
What are typical project cycle times in South Carolina?
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The information shared below is a general guideline for project cycles and approval timelines based on historical experience. However, these timelines can change due to many factors including our current project pipeline, new AHJ or utility requirements, new policies, on-site project conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Overall Project Timeline
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How long does it take to install a project in South Carolina?
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The average time it takes from a signed contract to a complete installation in South Carolina is between 50-60 Days. Once the installation is complete, the average time to Permission to Operate (PTO) is between 20-25 days. This is the state average, and while some projects can be installed faster or take longer, it is best to set a conservative expectation with your customers.
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The average timeline from Contract to Installation:
53 Days
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The average timeline from Installation to PTO:
22 Days
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Are there any additional considerations that may extend the project lifecycle?
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The following areas have regulations or guidelines for solar projects that may require additional steps or result in extended project lifecycles:
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Ground Mounts:
Due to permitting and installation requirements, ground-mounted solar projects may be delayed depending on
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local AHJ.
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Main Panel Upgrades:
Projects that require a main panel upgrade in South Carolina may see extended project lifecycles between 30-
60 days
due to additional installation steps required by local authorities.
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Roof Work:
When selling projects with roof work in South Carolina, project cycle times may be delayed by 30-60 days.
Utility Approval Cycle Times
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How long does utility approval take?
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For most utilities in South Carolina, utility approval for PTO generally occurs 3-5 weeks after inspection is passed.
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Duke Energy:
Average Timeline for PTO:
4-6 weeks
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Dominion Energy:
Average Timeline for PTO:
2-4 weeks
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*Santee Cooper:
Average Timeline for PTO:
2-4 weeks
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*IMPORTANT SANTEE COOPER UPDATE:
We currently do NOT have an installation partner who can install systems in Santee Cooper jurisdiction. This utility is currently unavailable for quoting solar projects and will be turned back on as soon as we have a new installation partner to service this area. Please check powur.com by submitting a lead in this utility to find out if it is available.
Are there any additional considerations for utility approval and cycle times?
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Meter Shortages: Due primarily to supply chain issues, meter shortages are common and may delay PTO from the utility.
Maximum System Size: The maximum system size for interconnection approval is 20kW for the entire state of South Carolina.
Permitting Approval Cycle Times
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How long does AHJ approval take?
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Based on our experience across the state of South Carolina, the average Cycle Time for permitting approval is 17 days.
We will be updating this section with more location-specific information when it becomes available. Until then, it is a safe assumption that permit approval will take between 1-2 months for solar projects in South Carolina.
Are there any additional considerations for permitting and approval times?
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The cycle times above are based on permit submissions by our install partners. Powur is taking over permit submissions in South Carolina and we will continue to update these cycle times with current information.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Net Metering Information
What is the Net Metering Policy in South Carolina?
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Net Metering policies differ for in South Carolina. Dominion Energy currently offers a 1:1 credit based on Time-Of-Use rates charged by the utility company.
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Duke Energy Net Metering
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For Duke Energy SC customers, Net Metering credits are allocated monthly at a rate of 10 to 11 cents/kWh. Unused credits are paid out annually in March - you can view the current electricity rates in South Carolina on Duke Energy's website.
There are three key things to highlight about Duke Energy’s new net metering program in South Carolina:
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Minimum monthly bill
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Time-of-Use billing rates
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Monthly netting
Minimum Monthly Bill
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Duke’s new program requires solar homeowners to have a minimum electric bill of $30. This means no matter how much electricity your solar panels produce, the customer will always have to pay at least $30 per month.
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Time-of-Use Billing Rates
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Time-of-Use rates will be required, under this rate structure prices are increased when electricity demand is high, and lowered when demand is low. Excess energy will be sent to the grid for a credit that can be used to offset energy you take from the grid. However, off-peak credits can only cover future off-peak consumption, and on-peak credits can only cover on-peak consumption. Holidays and weekend energy usage is charged at the off-peak rate.
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Duke has divided its rates into four different categories:
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On-peak, when demand is highest
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Off-peak, when demand is low
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Super off-peak, when demand is at its lowest
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Critical peak, when demand is extremely high, only implemented in emergency situations where grid reliability is threatened
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Monthly Netting
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Energy will be "netted" monthly. This means, at the end of each month, Duke will tally up how much solar electricity you sent to the grid and compare it to how much of Duke’s electricity that you took from the grid.
If you sent more electricity to the grid than you used in a month, you will have excess net metering credits in your account. Instead of the credits carrying over to offset your electricity usage next month, Duke will pay you for them at the avoided cost rate of electricity.
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How does Time-of-Use Net Metering Work?
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At certain times of day and over the course of the year, retail electricity charges change based on time-of-use rates.
Time-of-Use rates are required for solar customers in South Carolina.
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It's important to know that off-peak credits can only cover future off-peak consumption, and on-peak credits can only cover on-peak consumption. Holidays and weekend energy usage is charged at the off-peak rate.
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To find utility-specific compensation policies and rates, please refer directly to the utility website.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Rebates And Incentives
SOUTH CAROLINA
Rebates And Incentives
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Are there any statewide incentives or rebates in South Carolina?
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Yes! Below are details about the following state solar incentives:
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25% State Tax Credit:
The state of South Carolina offers a 25% tax credit for investments in qualifying solar energy systems. Residential solar customers are eligible for a 25% State Tax Credit up to $3,500 or 50% of their total state tax liability each year up to a total of $35,000.
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The 25% state tax credit is available in addition to the 30% Federal ITC.
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How does the South Carolina 25% State Tax Credit Work?
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Similar to the Federal ITC, the 25% tax credit is based on the contract value of a residential solar investment. Residential solar customers can claim a state tax credit up to 50% of their total state tax liability with a maximum credit of $3,500 eacH year.
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If there is any remaining credit, it will carry over and up to $3,500 can be claimed each year for up to 10 years, until the total value of the 25% tax credit has been claimed.
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How do customers qualify for the South Carolina 25% State Tax Credit?
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In order to qualify, the homeowner must be a current resident of South Carolina and have state tax liability during each year that the tax credit is claimed. Eligibility is lost if the homeowner moves out of South Carolina.
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Are there any utility or municipality rebates in South Carolina?
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Yes! Below are details about the following utility-based solar incentives:
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Santee Cooper:
In South Carolina, Santee Cooper offers residential customers a rebate of $1.30/Watt for solar systems up to $5,200.
***Update regarding Santee Cooper:***
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We no longer have an installation partner who can install systems in Santee Cooper jurisdiction. This utility is currently removed from quoting and will be turned back on as soon as we have a new installation partner to service this area.
Where can I find more information about rebates and incentives in South Carolina?
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You can find up-to-date information about available rebates related to renewable energy and efficiency projects here: https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/sc.